In brief

The president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who ascended to the presidency after Islam Karimov's death in September 2016, has taken steps to improve relations with Uzbekistan's neighbours and attract foreign investment. In September 2017 the exchange rate was liberalised and allowed to float, following which the currency depreciated by 48%. Marked changes in democratic or civil rights are unlikely, however. In 2019 we expect real GDP to grow by 5%.